Page 108 of Bitten

“Solomon has spent time with Kane,” Adriel said instead of answering the question. “As have I. I don’t think he’s a threat any longer—as long as the gem remains within him. But, after what he did to several guardsmen on his attack on this castle—I don’t think he belongs on my Guard.”

“I don’t feel he ever belonged on the Guard,” Ralnur said earnestly. “It’s not who he is.”

“I plan to place him in charge of the taskforce,” Noah said. “Along with Detective Scimmia. Kane’s a vampire hunter. So let him do what he was born to do.”

“For now, I think Kane needs a few days to recuperate with his mates,” the king said. “I will release him to you, uncle. Make sure that gem stays in place—if he ever loses it, I will do whatever I must to protect this city and its residents from him.”

“Understood,” Ralnur murmured, bowing. “I cannot thank you enough.”

“We’ll bring Kane up to your rooms,” Noah said. “Head on up and get ready for him.”

Ralnur smiled and squeezed Caelian’s hand. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

* * * *

A business proposal…

Andrei was steaming after his conversation with the king. He went back to his lavish office at the top of the largest skyscraper in the city. Standing at the bank of windows, he stared down at the city, fuming over the king’s decision.

“I sense things didn’t go well?”

Andrei turned to see his second in command, Xavier, standing before his desk. “No. Not at all.” He hissed angrily, baring his fangs to the window. “Vampire hunters inside the city. Not one, but now two.” He sighed. “Now that Kane knows exactly what he is, he’s even more dangerous.”

A buzzer sounded. Andrei’s assistant called through on the intercom, letting him know his appointment had arrived.

“Should I reschedule for another time?” Xavier asked.

“No,” Andrei said, walking over to his desk. “No time like the present to get this over with.” He pressed the button on the com. “Send him in.”

The doors opened, and Cayton entered the office. Andrei forced a smile to his lips and rose gracefully from his chair, offering a hand as he neared. “Cayton, so marvelous to see you again.”

“I’m so happy you called,” the old bear shifter said, a smile crossing his face.

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